melting-point

The scientist records the melting-point of the sample.

Definition

Noun: The temperature at which a solid substance changes from a solid state to a liquid state under standard atmospheric pressure.

Usage Examples

• (The temperature at which ice turns into water.)
• (They determined the exact temperature of its phase change.)
• (Each alloy melts at a specific temperature.)

Advanced Usage

• "to reach the melting point": to attain the specific temperature where a solid begins to liquefy.
  • The furnace reached the melting point of copper, and the metal began to flow. (The temperature was high enough to liquefy the copper.)
• "above/below the melting point": referring to temperatures higher or lower than the melting point.
  • The material remains solid below its melting point. (It stays solid at lower temperatures.)

Variants and Related Words

• Melting (adj): undergoing the process of becoming liquid.
  • The melting snow created puddles on the ground. (The snow was turning into water.)
• Point (n): a specific value or location on a scale.
  • The boiling point is another important physical property. (A specific temperature where a liquid turns to gas.)
• Melting temperature (n): a synonym for melting point, often used in scientific contexts.
  • The melting temperature of gold is approximately 1064 degrees Celsius. (The temperature at which gold melts.)

Synonyms

• Fusion point: the temperature at which a solid fuses or melts.
• Liquefaction point: the temperature at which a substance becomes liquid.

Related Idioms

• "to be at the melting point": (figurative) to be in a state of extreme tension or change, about to transform.
  • The political situation is at the melting point; a revolution may break out soon. (It is on the verge of a major change, like a solid about to melt.)